Mashamba Soccer Academy were crowned champions of the Mabena Soccer Tournament after beating evergreen ABC FC 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out at the Mashamba Grounds on Saturday. The final ended goalless before spot-kicks decided the winner.
Coach Aluwani "Drogba" Rambau said he was pleased with how his side had come together during the tournament. "The boys were doing their best, and we have a good understanding," he said. Rambau added that the squad had all the ingredients needed for a successful league campaign. "I've told my boys that we can perform well this season if we only focus and give our best. We are ready for the league activities now. By winning this tournament, we will not only make ourselves proud, but the community and area as well."
Sponsor Robert Nesengani of Singo Mining & Plant Hire said he was impressed with the way the event had been run, praising the players, officials and fans for their conduct. He pledged to continue sponsoring local soccer tournaments.
Mashamba Soccer Academy took home R70,000, a floating trophy, two new soccer kits and gold medals. Runners-up ABC FC received R40,000, silver medals and two kits. Third-placed Mphadzha Try Again pocketed R20,000, a kit and bronze medals, while SMSA FC earned R10,000 and a kit for finishing fourth.